LAS CRUCES - Local officials expect the use of fireworks to skyrocket in the coming days throughout Doña Ana County, as the Independence Day holiday approaches.

But different areas have different rules on what types of devices can be sold and discharged. And fire authorities are asking the public to be aware of the differences — or else risk citations and possible fines.

The holiday isn't until Tuesday, but a couple of public fireworks displays are set for Saturday evening. And, per state law, residents are able to buy and shoot fireworks through July 6 — one of only a few time windows per year when fireworks use is allowed.

Keeping up with complaints

Ted Sweetser, Las Cruces battalion chief-fire marshal, said authorities plan special patrols around the Fourth of July holiday to enforce the city's fireworks rules.

"The main issue that we have is the illegal fireworks and trying to keep up with the amount of calls for the illegal fireworks," he said.

Both unincorporated Doña Ana County and the city of Las Cruces for years have had in place so-called "safe and sane" ordinances, which prohibit the use of aerial and firecracker devices but allow for the use of devices like sparklers. Those restrictions remain in place this year.

However, the town of Mesilla, the city of Anthony and the village of Hatch allow the sale and use of aerial fireworks and firecrackers. While residents of Las Cruces or the county might be tempted to buy those devices and fire them where they're illegal, fire officials are discouraging it.

"If we catch them, there will be some sort of enforcement," Sweetser said.

Jimmy Nevarez, who owns a fireworks stand in Mesilla, said the fireworks he sells there are labeled so residents "know what's safe in the city (of Las Cruces) and what isn't."

"Most of that is actually bought and lit the last couple of nights in Mesilla, and we go around on the 5th and pick up whatever is left from the use of those fireworks." he said.

$500 fine possible

Sweetser said if people are found in Las Cruces with illegal fireworks, they risk having them confiscated. And authorities can issue citations for a petty misdemeanor conviction, with possible penalties of a $500 fine, up to to 90 days in jail or both, said James Chavez, chief of the Las Cruces Codes Enforcement and Animal Control Department

According to the city, residents who see illegal fireworks should call the Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority's non-emergency telephone number: 575-526-0795. That's unless the situation is an emergency, in which case 911 should be used.

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Stacks of fireworks of different types line the insides of the fireworks tent in Mesilla owned by Jimmy Nevarez. Wednesday, June 28, 2017.(Photo: Josh Bachman/Sun-News)

No drought-related restrictions

In certain drought years, local authorities can place more-strict, place-of-use rules on fireworks — limiting their discharge to barren surfaces or those near a water supply. But this year, that didn't happen in Doña Ana County.

Nevarez, who also owns fireworks stands throughout New Mexico, said he's not aware of any drought restrictions in the state this year.

"It's probably been about three or four years since I've seen this," he said.

Even so, Nevarez said he still advises people, for safety reasons, to handle fireworks as if the added drought regulations were in place. And practice common courtesy.

"Be respectful of your neighbors," he said. "Don't light them late at night, and pick up your trash."

Doña Ana County commissioners in April OK'd an ordinance change allowing for firecrackers and aerial fireworks to be sold by specialty retailers to non-county residents only. People must show proof they don't live in Doña Ana County to buy them. The county's prohibition on using aerial and firecracker devices in the unincorporated areas remains in effect.

Vendors Irvin Tapia age 11, left, and Edgar Tapia, 8, sell a bubble maker to Carlos Colon, right, for his granddaughter Diamond Williams during the Fourth of July event at the Field of Dreams on Monday. Anayssa Vasquez/Sun-News

Shelby Randall, center, prepares to catch a ball from her daughter Reylie Gonzalez, 6, along with Kyra Grigsby, and Junior Hernandez during the Fourth of July event at the Field of Dreams on Monday. Anayssa Vasquez/Sun-News

Denton Walter, 7, runs through an obstacle course provided by the City of Las Cruces Park and Recreation Teen Mobil Unit on July 4, 2016 during the celebration at the Field of Dreams. Anayssa Vasquez/Sun-News

Nine year old Giosué Hickman, left, and Skyler Hickman, 11, try knocking each other over in Mini Knocker Balls provided by the City of Las Cruces Park and Recreation Teen Mobil Unit on July 4, 2016 during the celebration at the Field of Dreams. Anayssa Vasquez/Sun-News

Fifteen year old Nathaniel Adams, and Savion Russell, 16, join friends as they play with sparklers during the Fourth of July celebration at the Field of Dreams, last year. The county urges residents be aware of fireworks rules and regulations. If purchasing fireworks to shoot them off a safe area. Anayssa Vasquez/Sun-News

9:45 p.m. Tuesday, Las Cruces - The city of Las Cruces' yearly fireworks show will take place at the Field of Dreams, 2501 Tashiro Drive. Entrance to the event area is from Motel Boulevard only. Events, including musical performances, start at 4 p.m.

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It is recommended that companion animals stay indoors during the busiest times of fireworks activity, between dusk and 1 a.m., and that yards be checked closely for potential escape routes.(Photo: Jesse Moya/Deming Headlight)

Pet precautions

The city-county animal shelter issued a notice Wednesday urging pet owners to take special precautions to keep their animals from running away. Dogs, cats and other animals can easily get startled by the loud noises and flashes that accompany fireworks.

Beth Vesco-Mock, executive director of the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley, said the days and nights around the holiday generally see a spike in intake numbers at the shelter. And Facebook and other social media light up with posts about missing pets in neighborhoods throughout Doña Ana County.

“These guys get scared by the noises and the flashes in the sky,” she said in a county news release. "They’ll act very uncharacteristically during this kind of stress, and they’ll try to flee the stress any way they can. Jumpers will jump, and diggers will dig.”

She recommends bringing companion animals indoors during the busiest times of fireworks activity, between dusk and 1 a.m., and she said yards should be checked closely for potential escape routes.

She said the shelter, at 3551 Bataan Memorial West in Las Cruces, is routinely open from noon to 6 p.m. for people to come reclaim pets that got out and may have been impounded. July 4 hours are noon to 3 p.m.

She said microchipped pets are much easier to return to owners, and she recommends chips for all pets.